Man accused of trying to use fake credit cards, ID at mall

Staff report

Published: Sunday, May 5, 2013 at 7:34 p.m.

Last Modified: Sunday, May 5, 2013 at 7:34 p.m.

The Coral Gables man first tried to buy $800 worth of gift cards at the Victoria’s Secret store in the Oaks Mall, but his credit card was rejected. Next, he tried to buy $2,000 worth of gift cards at the GNC store, but his card was flagged as fraudulent, a report said.

When Gainesville Police finally sorted it all out, the man was arrested and admitted that he was part of an organized credit card fraud ring and that he was expecting to get paid $5,000 for his part.

Instead, he’s in the Alachua County Jail on a $35,000 bond.

Police said that Oscar Acosta, 28, was in the mall around 1:30 p.m. on Saturday when a security guard alerted GPD that he was attempting to use bogus cards for big purchases.

The man at first identified himself to GPD Officer Joseph Register as Leonel Pujol and he gave him a Louisiana driver’s license and several credit cards in that name. A records check showed the driver’s license was fictitious. While being questioned in the mall security office, Acosta asked to use the restroom. After he exited, police checked the stall and found several more fake IDs and credit cards in the top tank of the toilet.

Acosta was arrested on two counts of fraudulent use of a credit card, tampering with evidence, scheme to defraud, two counts of using a fake identification, and giving false information to police.

He was being held at the Alachua County Jail on Sunday on $35,000 bond.

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